by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: l’Ammiraglio Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto
The world’s largest sailing regatta, Barcolana, returned to Trieste for its 57th edition this October, once again transforming the Gulf of Trieste into a celebration of seamanship, community, and Italian excellence. Among this year’s standout participants were the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour and the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour, two emblematic projects showcasing Italy’s maritime heritage and global outreach.
The Tour Mondiale Vespucci e Villaggio Italia project made its return to Trieste with a dedicated pavilion inviting visitors to experience the story of the Italian Navy’s iconic training ship, Amerigo Vespucci. The vessel’s ongoing world tour has become a floating ambassador of Italian culture, industry, and innovation, sharing the country’s craftsmanship and naval tradition across continents.
Within this setting, the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour and Barcolana organizers jointly announced an exciting new event on the Mediterranean sailing calendar. Starting in 2026, the new regatta—Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Il Veloce—will become the longest race in the Mediterranean. Organized by Difesa Servizi in collaboration with the Italian Navy and SSI Sport & Events, the race will conclude in Trieste to coincide with the 58th edition of Barcolana.
The announcement was made during a panel discussion titled “La vela al centro: il Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour incontra la Barcolana” (“Sailing at the Center: When the Nastro Rosa Tour Meets Barcolana”), held on Friday, October 10. Speakers included Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy; Luca Andreoli, CEO of Difesa Servizi; Mitja Gialuz, President of Barcolana; Erika Guerri, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Tourism; Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV); and Riccardo Simoneschi, CEO of SSI Sport & Events. The discussion was moderated by RAI journalist and sailor Giulio Guazzini.
Panelists emphasized the power of sailing to connect Italy’s diverse regions through maritime routes, while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Both the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour and the Nastro Rosa Tour were presented as symbols of unity and growth—vehicles for not only sporting excellence but also economic, social, and cultural development.
As the Barcolana continues to grow in international stature, Trieste reaffirms its role as Italy’s maritime capital—a place where tradition, innovation, and passion for the sea converge each October under full sails.
